P04-04 Non-invasive biomarkers with high discriminant ability indicative of musculoskeletal health with ageing

Abstract Background The use of large-scale pooled analyses and data sharing is a potential source to generate evidence to address complex scientific challenges and develop strategies to promote healthy ageing. However, the success of such analyses depends on robust measurements of musculoskeletal (MSK) health in ageing. Simple tests indicative of MSK health and suitable for use with older people are required. This study aims to assess the discriminatory ability of a combination of routine physical function tests and novel measures, notably muscle mechanical properties and ultrasound imaging of thigh composition (relative contribution of muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue) to classify healthy individuals according to their age and gender. Methods This cross-sectional study included 138 community-dwelling, self-reported healthy males and females (65 young, mean age±SD = 25.7±4.8 years; 73 older, 74.9±5.9 years). Handgrip strength; quadriceps strength; respiratory peak flow; timed up and go; stair climbing; anterior thigh tissue thickness (using ultrasound imaging), muscle mechanical properties (stiffness, tone and elasticity; Myoton technology); and self-reported health related quality of life (SF36) were assessed. Stepwise linear discriminant analysis was used to classify cases based on criterion variable derived from the known effects of age on physical function. Results Combining conventional physical function tests with novel measures, revealed two discriminant functions which significantly (Wilks's λ = 0.05, 0.34; p>0.001) classified 89% of grouped cases with 11% error rate using leave-one-out cross-validation. Seven variables associated with grip strength, peak flow, timed up and go, anterior thigh thickness, and muscle mechanical properties demonstrated high discriminant ability (p>0.05 correlation with discriminant functions) to classify healthy people. Conclusions The present study provides reference data for comparison with clinical populations and a comprehensive battery of non-invasive dry biomarkers with high discriminant ability indicative of musculoskeletal health. The most sensitive novel biomarkers require no volition, highlighting potentially useful tests for screening and monitoring effects of interventions on MSK health for vulnerable older people with pain or cognitive impairment. Older misclassified cases who appeared younger than predicted support the need for studies of older people with different habitual activity levels, to provide relevant reference values for assessment, so rehabilitation goals are targeted appropriately.


Background
Normal aging is associated with progressive functional loss in many cognitive domains, including working memory, attention (van Raalten et al., 2008) and executive functions (Nyberg et al., 2008), responsible for the control of behavioral activities (Miller & Cohen, 2001). Research aim was to evaluate postural control and executive function during dual tasking in physically active and inactive old adults. Methods Participants were 42 older healthy human males and females (Mean age: 70.17AE6.08 years). Posturography method with a single piezoelectric force plate was used to measure postural sway activity. For the evaluation of cognitive functions, we used Word Memory task with ten audio-recorded words (Lithuanian nouns) in each trial, and the Mathematical Processing Task, where negative or positive one-digit integer-numbers (10 in total) were presented in each trial at 2-second intervals. Physical activity of participants was evaluated according to WHO recommendations.

Results
The study showed that there was a strong correlation between physically active time spent and balance behavior. The balance of physically active older people was statistically significantly more stable when they performed cognitive tasks than that of those who were physically inactive. Dual-task interferences on postural sway were evident in both Word Memory task and the Mathematical Processing Task conditions. Dual-task effect on Mathematical Processing Task and Word Memory task was not statistically different.

Discussion
Taken together, we suggest that physical activity improves proprioceptive control which also improves balance control. In dual tasking, more attention is required in cognitive tasking, so balance control with is also evident that increase balance Abstract citation ID: ckac095.058 P04-04 Non-invasive biomarkers with high discriminant ability indicative of musculoskeletal health with ageing

Background
The use of large-scale pooled analyses and data sharing is a potential source to generate evidence to address complex scientific challenges and develop strategies to promote healthy ageing. However, the success of such analyses depends on robust measurements of musculoskeletal (MSK) health in ageing. Simple tests indicative of MSK health and suitable for use with older people are required. This study aims to assess the discriminatory ability of a combination of routine physical function tests and novel measures, notably muscle mechanical properties and ultrasound imaging of thigh composition (relative contribution of muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue) to classify healthy individuals according to their age and gender.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included 138 community-dwelling, self-reported healthy males and females (65 young, mean ageAESD = 25.7AE4.8 years; 73 older, 74.9AE5.9 years). Handgrip strength; quadriceps strength; respiratory peak flow; timed up and go; stair climbing; anterior thigh tissue thickness (using ultrasound imaging), muscle mechanical properties (stiffness, tone and elasticity; Myoton technology); and self-reported health related quality of life (SF36) were assessed. Stepwise linear discriminant analysis was used to classify cases based on criterion variable derived from the known effects of age on physical function.

Results
Combining conventional physical function tests with novel measures, revealed two discriminant functions which significantly (Wilks's = 0.05, 0.34; p>0.001) classified 89% of grouped cases with 11% error rate using leave-one-out crossvalidation. Seven variables associated with grip strength, peak flow, timed up and go, anterior thigh thickness, and muscle mechanical properties demonstrated high discriminant ability (p>0.05 correlation with discriminant functions) to classify healthy people.

Conclusions
The present study provides reference data for comparison with clinical populations and a comprehensive battery of non-invasive dry biomarkers with high discriminant ability indicative of musculoskeletal health. The most sensitive novel biomarkers require no volition, highlighting potentially useful tests for screening and monitoring effects of interventions on MSK health for vulnerable older people with pain or cognitive impairment. Older misclassified cases who appeared younger than predicted support the need for studies of older people with different habitual activity levels, to provide relevant reference values for assessment, so rehabilitation goals are targeted appropriately.

Background
Regular physical activity is known to reduce premature mortality, and help prevent and manage chronic diseases. Despite this, older people are not sufficiently active. Playing golf is associated with better aerobic fitness and mental wellbeing but evidence of a relationship with strength and balance is lacking. If the physical demands of golf are sufficient to meet the World Health Organisation recommendations for strength and balance, golf may qualify for exercise on prescription/social prescribing for people with long-term conditions. The hypothesis of this ongoing study is that playing recreational golf will be associated with better strength and balance in older people. Data are presented for grip strength and dynamic balance in golfers and sedentary older adults, tested using simple techniques suitable in community settings.

Methods
Seventy nine healthy older participants (aged 65-79 years) have been studied: 62 golfers (n = 31 females, 31 males) and 17 sedentary non golfers (9 males, 8 females). Difficulties in recruiting sedentary participants and then the outbreak of Covid-19 explain the discrepancy between group sizes. Golfers played 18 holes at least once a week for minimum of two years. Grip strength was tested for the right hand using the MIE hand-grip dynamometer, with results normalized to body weight. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-balance test, with reaching distance normalized to lower-limb length. Nonparametric statistics were used due to unequal group sizes.

Conclusions
These preliminary data indicate that playing recreational golf at least once a week is associated with greater grip strength and better dynamic balance in older golfers compared to sedentary non-golfers. These findings support further data collection (when permitted) to produce reference data. This will allow parametric statistical analysis to determine whether conclusive Abstract citation ID: ckac095.060 P04-06 Employing citizen science to promote active and healthy ageing across diverse local urban communities in Birmingham, UK

Background
Incorporating age-friendly elements across urban environments can promote active and healthy ageing by facilitating opportunities to improve health and well-being among older residents. However, developing inclusive and supportive agefriendly environments remains a key gap for governance and public policy. Community-engaged citizen science recognises older adults as key stakeholders in designing and implementing age-friendly initiatives. The aim of this study was to employ the Our Voice citizen science for healthy equity framework to engage older adults and community stakeholders to: a) identify local urban characteristics that influence active and healthy ageing, and b) co-produce recommendations to develop actionable urban changes.

Methods
Older adults (n = 17; Mean age= 72(7.5 SD); 11 women) and community stakeholders (n = 23; 14 women) in urban planning and ageing-well services were recruited from Birmingham, UK. Six online discussion groups (n = 16 older adults, 11 stakeholders), 12 Discovery Tool walks (n = 14 older adults), 3 in-person discussions (n = 12 older adults), 2 online individual discussions (n = 2 older adults) and 2 workshop events (n = 15 older adults, 17 stakeholders) were conducted. Audio transcripts and co-produced data were member checked and thematically analysed to identify urban barrier and facilitator themes and co-produce recommendations.

Results
A range of interconnected urban features were identified as influential of active and healthy ageing, including presence or absence of community facilities, suitable outdoor spaces, and the impact of Covid-19. Six collective and 12 individual recommendations were co-produced proposing feasible ways to enhance urban environments. These included public toilets schemes, maintenance of green and public spaces, car parking enforcement, provision of local information, and integrating communities across all ages.

Conclusion
Employing citizen science developed a network of older adults and stakeholders that shared local knowledge and experiences to co-produce a strong vision for shaping urban environments in Birmingham. This approach facilitated older adults to: drive research processes and solution-building; identify local urban influences; and advocate these findings to a network of actors who can disseminate and activate change in urban domains.
To enhance citizen science further, increased time and resources to embed older adults into scientific processes, including data analysis and interpretation, is required.